Do leafy greens contain dangerous levels of cadmium?
No. Cadmium accumulates in the kidneys over time. Limit exposure from contaminated foods and old ceramics.
What's actually in it
Cadmium is a heavy metal that accumulates in the kidneys over a lifetime of exposure. Unlike some toxins that the body clears quickly, cadmium stays. Decades of low-dose exposure can cause kidney damage.
Food is the main non-occupational source of cadmium for most people. Some foods naturally absorb more from soil: leafy greens, grains, potatoes, and shellfish can carry higher levels.
What the research says
A 2026 study in biol trace elem res found that protective Role of Purslane Supplementation Against Cadmium-Induced Renal and Gill Toxicity in Nile Tilapia: Insights into Antioxidant Defense and Ion.
The research at a glance
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